Soldier Mine (Sons of War #2)(17)

How do I handle this without alerting Todd that I broke my promise to him, even if it wasn’t on purpose? The weapon is too dangerous for me to leave here. I mean, does the kid know how to shoot a gun?

It’s moments like this when I want so much to call my mother but am afraid to. The Monster that ruined my life keeps tabs on her in case I make direct contact, and I won’t risk putting her in danger.

I replace the contents of the box, return it to its place and stare at it.

I have no freaking clue what to do. I can’t bear the thought of driving Todd away by confronting him. I’m already limiting what he can do with his life, who he can hang out with, what entertainment he’s allowed to have. As Petr pointed out, Todd has no hobbies and doesn’t play sports.

Petr’s quiet words return to me, those he uttered the first day we met. He said he thought Todd was scared, and martial arts would help him become more confident. The gun was bought out of fear. Did Todd buy it because I refused to let him go to karate? How long has he had it?

Aching to talk to him but fearing the discussion, I finish cleaning his room, troubled and worried. After some internal debate, I empty out the contents of the Secrets Box and replace the empty container where it belongs.

The weapon I hide in my room under my mattress. It feels icky knowing I’m betraying Todd’s trust, but I can’t ignore something like this.

He returns around nine, as promised, grinning like a lovesick fool. I’m grateful for the distraction of Maya and hope she’ll take his mind off the danger following us.

Heading to bed, I doubt I’ll be able to sleep with the gun in my room.




Petr is present as promised the next morning. I don’t try to avoid him this time, sensing he’s direct enough to confront me if I do. He’s back in his normal booth and already has his coffee.

Not sure why that irks me, but it does. I take him his pie. “Cheating on me already?” I quip and then immediately wish I could take the words back. “With coffee.” Yeah, that doesn’t help much. “Eat your pie.” I’m neck deep in the hole I’m digging and too stupid to stop.

He grins, the roguish expression lighting up his features.

I give him the cold shoulder, at least until it’s time for a refill. I’ve never had the urge to stalk someone’s coffee cup in my life like I do his, and I wait impatiently for the opening that a refill gives me. Finally, it comes, and I approach.

“I, um, changed my mind,” I say casually as I pour. “Todd can go to karate.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

He’s starting to smile.

“Don’t try to take credit for it,” I snap.

“No ma’am.” His eyes are sparkling. “What changed your mind?”

“Aside from the fact you’re right?” I ask in a disgruntled tone. “I guess I had a come-to-Jesus moment last night. He’s growing up, and I have to let him be a teen.”

“And …”

Petr’s too smart. Somehow, he knows I’m not the kind to change my mind without a damned good reason.

There’s something about Petr that makes me want to tell him. Our brief interactions aren’t enough for me to know fully what kind of a person he is, but … he’s different. Very different. I’ve been emotionally isolated for so long, it’s tempting to tell him, to trust someone else, even just a little. I’m also out of practice, afraid and feel myself hit the brakes considering it.

“That’s it.”

“I’ll take it,” he replies. “Start Monday?”

“Sure.” I hesitate to leave, my heart heavy with what I discovered last night. “Do you think it’ll help him?” The way I say it sounds awful. “Not that he needs help but maybe it’ll make it easier for him to adjust?”

“It should. I’ve seen a lot of troubled kids turn it around with sports or martial arts.”

“Troubled. You really think he’s troubled.” Oh, god. This is the most painful conversation ever.

“Sorry. Troubled might be harsh,” Petr answers softly. “He’s a good kid, but I do think something is bothering him. An after school activity might take his mind off things.”

Nibbling on my lower lip, I nod. Petr is gentler than he needs to be about the topic, and I’m secretly relieved he’s not judging me or Todd.

“And … tomorrow? Do I get a two for one today?” he asks.

“We’ll be there.” With the entire town present, the event will be too large for him to pay personal attention to Todd and me. My goal is for us to get lost in the crowd, a skill I’ve honed pretty well.

“You made my day.”

I eye him, suspecting he’s messing with me.

Petr appears genuine.

We look at each other long enough for heat to creep into my face. Snatching his plate, I return to the counter. I’m half expecting him to ask me on a date, which would make me freak out for sure, but he doesn’t. He leaves with a friendly smile.

I watch him, doubting Eileen’s assertion once more. There’s no reason for him to like me, and he’s direct enough in other areas that if he did, he’d surely make it known.

I was never really good with men, as evidenced by the psycho who’s been stalking me for four years.